Job Openings

Maine Aquaculture Apprenticeship

Start Date: April 15, 2023

Application Due Date: 5:00 PM February 15th

Pay Range: $17-$22 per hour based on progress in the program and a $3,000 stipend

For details on this program and to apply, please see this link. Ferda Farms has been selected as a host for the apprenticeship.

Farm Hand

Start Date: April 15, 2023

Application Due Date: March 31, 2023

Pay Range: $15-$18 per hour based on experience

Hours Expected for this position: Flexible, tide dependent, but usually five, eight hour days per week. This is a full-time 40 hour per week position, but part-time employment may be considered.

Role: We are looking for a general farm hand that will work alongside the company partners to help with the daily operations. These operations include maintaining and harvesting oysters, raising nursery oysters, and assisting with preparations for winter. Most days will be spent on the water, split between boat and work-float, with the occasional day devoted to gear work on shore.

Specific Tasks:

·      Tumbling oysters

·      Culling oysters

·      Gear work (painting, building bags, pressure washing)

·      Harvesting oysters

Work will be overseen daily by a farm manager.

Requirements:

Preferred but not required (in order of importance)

·      Outboard skiff handling

·      Knot tying

·      Research experience

·      Mechanical aptitude

Required:

·      Lift up to 50 pounds

·      Valid Driver’s License

·      Ability to get on and off a boat without assistance

To apply, email a resume and cover letter to ferdafarms@gmail.com

Farm Hand (Seasonal)

Start Date: May 30, 2023

End Date: August 30, 2023

Application Due Date: Feb 15th, 2023

Pay Range: $15-$18 per hour based on experience

Hours Expected for this position: Flexible, tide dependent, but usually five, eight hour days per week. This is a full-time 40 hour per week position, but part-time employment may be considered.

Role: We are looking for a general farm hand that will work alongside the company partners to help with the daily operations. These operations include maintaining and harvesting oysters, raising nursery oysters, and assisting with preparations for winter. Most days will be spent on the water, split between boat and work-float, with the occasional day devoted to gear work on shore.

Specific Tasks:

·      Tumbling oysters

·      Culling oysters

·      Gear work (painting, building bags, pressure washing)

·      Harvesting oysters

Work will be overseen daily by a farm manager.

Requirements:

Preferred but not required (in order of importance)

·      Outboard skiff handling

·      Knot tying

·      Research experience

·      Mechanical aptitude

Required:

·      Lift up to 50 pounds

·      Valid Driver’s License

·      Ability to get on and off a boat without assistance

To apply, fill out the application at this link. This position will be funded in part by the Maine Career Catalyst Aquaculture Pioneers Program. More information about the program can be found here.

About the Company:

Ferda Farms LLC is an oyster farm on the New Meadows River in Brunswick, Maine. Founded in 2018, we are committed to producing high quality product, while improving the industry through innovation and education to support sustainability along Maine’s coasts. We won the Maine Business Challenge in 2019 for our innovative business model, and we are currently in the process of acquiring our first standard lease. Right now, all of our pumps and tumbling machines run off of our on-water solar array.